Jhamaklal Village Case: Tear Gas and Water Cannons Used on Protesters Demanding Justice for Adivasi Woman

Uttarkanya Abhiyan: Protest Over Jhamaklal Village Assault Turns Violent at Tinbatti More

Siliguri, February 26, 2026 — A protest march organized by Janjaati Suraksha Manch, demanding capital punishment for the accused in the Jhamaklal village assault case, turned violent in Siliguri today. Police deployed water cannons, tear gas shells, and a lathi-charge to disperse demonstrators attempting to march toward Uttarkanya, the state government’s branch secretariat.

Official sources confirmed that at least 16 protesters were detained, and several individuals sustained injuries during the clashes at Tinbatti More. The injured were transported to the district hospital for medical treatment.

The protest march, named the ‘Uttarkanya Abhiyan,’ commenced from Jalpaimore. It saw heavy participation from members of the local Adivasi community, supported by several BJP leaders, including Dabgram-Fulbari MLA Shikha Chatterjee and Phansidewa MLA Durga Murmu.

Anticipating the rally, the Siliguri Metropolitan Police had erected multiple barricades and deployed water cannons along the designated route. According to police officials, the situation escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach the heavy barricading at Tinbatti More. Protesters allegedly set tires on fire and pushed past the initial police lines. In response, police utilized water cannons, followed by tear gas shells, and eventually conducted a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and bring the area under control.

MLA Shikha Chatterjee sharply criticized the police response, stating, “We were marching with members of the tribal community towards Uttarkanya. Police stopped us and used water cannons, tear gas, and a lathi-charge. This is unethical and undemocratic.”

Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista released a statement condemning the police action and the state government’s handling of the underlying case.

Bista stated that the peaceful protest was met with violence by the police. He accused the administration of attempting to shield the accused and failing to arrest all individuals involved in the assault. Drawing parallels to other state incidents, Bista remarked, “Under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the women across the state feel unsafe. Be it the women in Sandeshkhali, the doctor on duty in RG Kar, or our sister from Jhamaklal village.” He warned that the protests could expand across North Bengal if all perpetrators are not brought to justice.

In response, Siliguri Mayor and senior TMC leader Gautam Deb stated that the police are actively investigating the assault case. “We condemn the assault on the Adivasi woman. But the way the BJP is instigating violence and is trying to politicize the incident is condemnable too. The law must take its own course,” Deb said.

Tarai 24 has been continuously tracking the developments of this case since the initial protests erupted in Bagdogra last month.

The incident originates from a December dispute in Jhamaklal village, under the Phansidewa police station limits. During the altercation, a seven-month pregnant Adivasi woman was severely assaulted. The primary accused, Mohammad Kadir—who is notably a state civic volunteer—has been arrested by the police.

Due to the severe injuries sustained in the assault, the woman delivered a premature baby on January 8. The infant died three days later. While Kadir is currently in custody, the protesters and the victim’s family allege that four other individuals involved in the attack remain at large. The demonstrators are demanding their immediate arrest under the strict provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Also read: Massive Protest In Bagdogra Demands Justice For Assaulted Pregnant Tribal Woman | BJP MP Raju Bista Visits Family Of Assaulted Pregnant Adivasi Woman, Warns West Bengal Govt Of Protests In North Bengal | Justice For Jhamaklal Village: Raju Bista Seeks Governor’s Intervention Over Assault On Pregnant Adivasi Woman